This week we read the end of Moses’ life and final instructions to the Israelites from God given through Moses. Moses has been a big deal so far in God's story. Moses heads up"to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land...And the LORD said to him, 'This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, I will give it to your offspring. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” So Moses the servant of the LORD died there" (Deuteronomy 34:1-5) He gets to look at the promised land but not enter. He dies on the mountain after speaking with God. Moses' chapter in God's story closes and Joshua's chapter begins. As we move into Joshua, we see God's people enter the promised land by crossing the Jordan River, as well as conquer the city of Jericho. Israel was commanded to purge evil from their midst, however this was not because they were good, but rather because God is good. God affirms His covenant with His people and will commission Joshua. Pay attention to how God graciously includes what would be an outsider (chapter 2), observing again salvation is dependent on faith alone. As you read, remember that this specific time points to God’s overall purpose of glorifying Himself through both His perfect justice and perfect grace.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 19
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Deuteronomy and Joshua, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Deuteronomy 29:9. What will happen if Israel keeps the words of the covenant? Why might this be important in light of the previous 40 years? Read Deuteronomy 29:19-20. What is this passage warning?
Read Deuteronomy 31:7. Why might it be important that Moses brought Joshua before the people? According to Deuteronomy 31:8, who is going before Joshua and the people? Read Joshua 1:6. Who does God say will be the instrument God uses for His purposes? Read Joshua 1:5, 9. How does this add clarity to who is the real hero of what will happen in taking the land?
Read Joshua 2:1. What is Rahab’s profession? Read Joshua 2:9-11. Why has fear fallen on Jericho? What does Rahab do in response to the fear? How does Rahab’s report affirm God’s purpose in glorifying Himself through Israel to the nations? Read Joshua 6:22,25.
Read Joshua 3:7-10. Why is God exalting Joshua? How is the purpose of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan recorded later in the chapter according to Joshua 3:10? What is God’s purpose of giving Israel a land in reference to both Abraham and the nations?
Read Joshua 5:14-15. What does this say about who is winning the battles ahead? How does this remind you of Moses and the burning bush? How might this experience prepare Joshua for the battles ahead? Read Joshua 6:20. How did God work the victory? How did the people join in God’s work?
SHARE IT.
Thinking about the end of Moses' life on the mountain, how was God gracious to him even in his death? How has God been gracious to you this month so far? Stop and thank God for that grace.
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the reading of Deuteronomy and the start of Joshua this week?
Why does God address fear so much in our lives, calling us to be strong and courageous? What does it say about us? What does it say about God?
Read Deuteronomy 32:39. How is this a comfort to you? How is this intimidating to you? In light of Christ’s sacrifice, how does this become more comforting than intimidating?
Read Joshua 6:1-5. When have you felt confused about how obedience to the Lord was going to help your situation? How did you respond? When have you seen God work a situation out better than you could have planned yourself after you were obedient?
FINAL THOUGHT
The song of Moses references the lower case “r” rock, as well as the upper case “R” rock. The “Rock” is a reference to God as indicated in Deuteronomy 32:4. Moses goes on to talk about the false gods and idols that can't help those that trust in the false “rock”. (Deuteronomy 32:31). Psalm 62:1-2 speaks of God being the “rock” and “salvation.” Jesus is speaking in Matthew 21:42-44 to the Jewish religious leaders. He quotes Psalm 118:22 as stating, “the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Jesus is the rock of our salvation, the only way to God. He is the commander of the LORD’s armies, and will lead His people to victory at the end of all things. All people are welcome into His kingdom through faith in Him. Stand on the Rock today, strong and courageous as an ambassador of Jesus Christ this week.
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